Khleang Pagoda

Location: 53 Ton Duc Thang Street, Ward 6, Soc Trang City, Soc Trang Province.Characteristics: Khleang Pagoda is one of the most ancient pagodas in Soc Trang, features an architectural style similar to the pagodas of Cambodia.

Built in 1533, it was originally made of wood with a roof thatched with palm leaves. The pagoda was later reconstructed with brick, and the roof was covered with tiles.

◊ Khmer Architectural Features

The pagoda lies on area of 3,800m² with a lot of sugar palm trees, consists of main gate, sanctum and a range of wooden stilt-houses, used as places for holding traditional ceremonies and for housing the pagoda's monks.

The sanctum is built in 2m-high foundation with an area of nearly 200m². The roof of the sanctum has three-layer architectural style with stylized dragon in Khmer culture at the edges. The sanctum is propped up by 60 pillars. The wood doors of the sanctum are carved patterns in the scene of fighting between good (Fairy) and evil (Yeak).

The sanctum worships 6.8m-high Shakyamuni Buddha statue sitting on a lotus throne. On the wall are the paintings describing Shakyamuni Buddha from his birth until Nirvana.

Additionally, there are stupas containing ashes of the dead, a guesthouse, and the Pothi School for teaching the Khmer language.

◊ Cultural Significance

The Khleang Pagoda also houses writings from ancient books, which tell about the origins of Soc Trang and the pagoda.

The pagoda is also place to hold traditional ceremonies and festivals of Khmer people in Soc Trang Province such as Chol Chnam Thmay Festival, Dolta Festival, Ooc Om Boc Festival…

In 1990, Khleang Pagoda was recognized as a National Art Architecture Monument.